If you were looking for something to kick start the year, the ATP tournament in Adelaide has the semifinal match for you. Whilst Sebi Korda’s match against Yoshihito Nishioka promises to be a high quality affair, it’s the other semifinal, the thirteenth meeting between Novak Djokovic and Daniil Medvedev, that will likely leave jaws hanging. Their thirteenth meeting… Unlucky for some? We’ve tried to predict the outcomes of both semifinals.<\/p>\n
Not only does “Sebi” Korda lead this head-to-head 2-0, he’s allowed Yoshihito Nishioka a total of eight games in these meetings. Delving a bit deeper however, one of those meetings was on indoor hard-courts where Nishioka’s lack of serving prowess harmed him and the other was on the clay of Parma when Korda went on to win his first and only title so far.<\/p>\n
Still, even in conditions that suit Nishioka, the match-up is favorable for Korda. He has the returning ability to take advantage of Nishioka’s shorter serves and, unlike a few of his compatriots, has the backhand temperament to live with Nishioka’s hooked lefty forehands. The Japanese won’t go down without a fight but Korda should have too much in the tank for him. That’s no slight on Nishioka mind you – if Korda continues his current trajectory, he may have too much in the tank for the vast majority of the tour this year.
\nPrediction: Korda in 2.<\/em><\/p>\n